Forty-three community projects across Sutherland Shire have received funding assistance totallimg almost $435,000 under a new council program.
Grants of between $250 and $20,000 were awarded to 39 organisations in the inaugural Sutherland Shire Council Community Grants and Subsides Program.
Projects varied widely, from the Bundeena Maianbar Art of Living Festival, BeConnected fitness sessions for older people and an Engadine Musical Society production to Alcoholics Anonymous and Gamblers Anonymous programs and Sutherland Shire Carers Week celebrations
A presentation event was held at at Sutherland Entertainment Centre.
A council spokeswoman said the program was created “to support and empower the local community by funding a range of projects that contribute to a connected, supportive, caring, inclusive and engaged community”.
“Close to 100 applications were received from a diverse range of local not-for-profit community groups, who were seeking assistance to implement projects that would benefit residents of Sutherland Shire,” she said.
”Grants were allocated to 39 community based organisations, to be used by the various organisations to implement 43 projects designed to build a sense of community, improve health and well-being and create and strengthen community connections through shared cultural experiences.”
Mayor Carmelo Pesce said the program had allowed the council to support “a great range of organisations including musical societies, art groups, youth services, seniors support groups and local disability providers”.
Cr Pesce said all made an “invaluable contribution to the local community”.
The list of recipients and projects can be viewed at: https://bit.ly/2QvRoAO
